The Split Element- Book 2 (Ninjago Dragons Rising: Zane X Oc)

The Son of a Nindroid...

3 Years Later:

3rd Person POV:

It was late at night when a crash was heard from downstairs, followed by a quiet yet frightened scream, drowned in the sound of thunder and harsh rain colliding with windows. The noise was loud enough for Zane's systems to come online, waking him up. He opened his eyes, and sat up, his gaze drifting to the crack between the door and its frame.

"What's wrong?" Aly mumbled, half-awake after hearing the noise. "I am...unsure." Zane told her, slightly worried. "I will return." He gently leaned over Aly, and kissed her forehead before climbing out of bed, and walking out to the hall.

It was dark upstairs, only illuminated by the dim light from Zane's eyes and body. He walked slowly and deliberately, staying cautious just in case anyone, or anything, had made its way into his home.

Zane stood at the top of the stairs, and waited, listening for any noise coming from downstairs. And after a moment, he heard the faint shuffling of feet from the corridor, and made his way downstairs to investigate.

He turned the corner, still being careful as he scanned around, looking. But then, Zane stopped, and looked down to see a small boy illuminated by his light. The child had hair the colour of fresh snow, and bright teal eyes which were welling up with tears. Though the strangest thing about the boy was that he didn't have a right arm, and in his left was a hand-made falcon plush he was holding tightly.

Zane crouched down to the boy's level, opening his arms. The child hitched, and ran into them as Zane quickly held him close. "I-I couldn't find you!" The little boy cried as tears fell from his eyes. Zane held the boy close, trying to comfort him. "It's okay, I am here now. Dad's here." He said to the boy. "You will be alright, Owen."

Zane held his son close as he picked him up and made his way back upstairs. There was another crack of thunder outside, which made Owen flinch and bury his face in the crook of Zane's neck. "It is alright." Zane softly spoke, trying to sooth him as he walked past his son's room, and instead to his own.

"Try to be quiet, okay?" Zane told him, putting a finger to his lips as he walked inside. "Your mother is asleep." Owen sniffled while nodding as Zane sat back down, setting his son beside him. The Nindroid gently shuffled under the covers, careful not to wake Aly while Owen did the same. He knelt close to Zane, snuggling up against his chest to feel the warmth from his internal heater.

But then, a sharp bolt of lightning snapped outside, making Owen squeal and hide beneath the blanket. Zane sighed, about to comfort Owen again when two hands reached over the boy, pulling him away.

"Jay's really at it tonight, huh?" Aly softly spoke, pulling Owen in her arms as she sat up. Zane chuckled. "Indeed." "Jay, your friend?" The little boy asked, looking up at his mother who gave him a nod while humming. "Yes. Y'know, sometimes, when he gets upset, it starts to thunder and lightning. Just like tonight."

"Why is he sad?" Owen wondered, leaving his parents to think. "Perhaps, he had a nightmare." Zane suggested. "Like...like me?" The boy asked, his voice shaky as his eyes welled up with tears again. "Oh, honey. Come here, it's okay." Aly spoke, pulling him in close before rocking slightly to calm him. Owen sniffled, burying his face in her shirt.

"I get nightmares too, and I'm sure your dad does as well." "I do." Zane responded, looking down at the boy. "They are not pleasant, and are unfortunately a part of life sometimes." He said, placing his hand on his son's back. "But trust me..." Aly started, pulling away from Owen to gently lift his face to meet hers. "There are far worse things in the world than nightmares." She chuckled, nuzzling her nose against his, making him laugh. Though it faded. "H-how do you know?" He asked, wiping his eyes.